Conversations about knife crime and searching in schools are understandably sensitive. For school leaders, safeguarding teams and frontline staff, these issues sit at the intersection of safety, wellbeing, trust and care. Behind every headline are young people with complex lives, and professionals working tirelessly to keep everyone safe while preserving dignity and inclusion.
At GoodSense, we recognise how challenging this feels for school communities. Our intention is not to fuel fear or stigma, but to support schools with balanced, lawful and compassionate approaches that prioritise safety for pupils, staff and visitors alike.
Understanding the Current Context
Knife crime remains a national concern across England and Wales. Recent police data shows around 53,000 recorded offences involving a knife or sharp instrument, with children and young people aged 10–17 making up approximately 18% of cautions and convictions for knife possession.
While incidents involving knives on school premises are still relatively rare, police forces continue to report year-on-year cases linked to schools, including possession, threats and assaults. Importantly, evidence consistently shows that most pupils do not carry weapons. Where incidents do occur, they are often rooted in fear, trauma, peer pressure or unmet needs, rather than intent to cause harm.
This context matters. It reminds us that safeguarding responses must be proportionate, informed and rooted in understanding, not driven by headlines alone
The Legal Framework Schools Operate Within
Schools are required to act within clear legal boundaries while fulfilling their safeguarding duties. Key legislation includes:
- Prevention of Crime Act 1953 – making it an offence to carry an offensive weapon in a public place, including school grounds.
- Criminal Justice Act 1988 and offensive weapons legislation – defining bladed articles and possession offences.
- Education and Inspections Act 2006 – providing headteachers with powers to discipline pupils and conduct searches for prohibited items where reasonable grounds exist.
- Recent knife crime legislation (2024–2025) – strengthening controls on knife sales and possession, with an increased focus on prevention.
Any decision to search pupils or intervene must be lawful, reasonable, proportionate and clearly documented, and aligned with school behaviour and safeguarding policies.
Searches Alone Are Not the Answer
Increased media attention often leads to renewed calls for searches, bag checks or metal detectors in schools. While there are circumstances where these measures may be necessary, evidence shows that enforcement alone does not reduce risk and can, if poorly handled, damage trust and relationships.
What consistently makes the greatest difference is a whole-school approach, where staff are confident, consistent and skilled in early intervention and de-escalation. This is where Positive Handling and Managing Challenging Behaviour training becomes essential.
The Role of Positive Handling and Managing Challenging Behaviour Training
Positive Handling is often misunderstood. It is not about restraint as a first response. Instead, it is about:
- Prevention and de-escalation first
- Understanding behaviour as communication
- Using physical intervention only as a last resort to prevent harm
High-quality training enables school staff to:
- Recognise early warning signs of escalation
- Apply de-escalation strategies confidently and consistently
- Use physical interventions that are reasonable, necessary and proportionate, and aligned with Department for Education guidance
- Protect the safety, dignity and wellbeing of pupils and staff
- Feel confident that their actions are legally defensible and ethically sound
When schools invest in managing challenging behaviour training, they are not just reducing risk — they are strengthening culture, consistency and staff confidence.
Supporting Staff Through Sensitive and High-Risk Situations
The emotional impact on school staff should not be underestimated. Managing incidents linked to violence, weapons or heightened distress can be deeply challenging, particularly when national media coverage increases anxiety and scrutiny.
Supportive schools ensure staff have:
- Clear, well-communicated policies
- Regular refresher training
- Opportunities for reflection and debrief
- Confidence that leadership will support lawful, reasonable decision-making
Training should empower staff — not leave them feeling fearful of “getting it wrong”.
A Balanced, Compassionate Approach to School Safety
Knife crime is a serious issue, but schools remain places of care, learning and opportunity. The most effective safeguarding strategies combine:
- Clear legal understanding and policies
- Skilled behaviour management and de-escalation
- Positive handling as a last resort
- Early intervention and pastoral support
- Strong, trusting relationships with pupils and families
This balanced approach protects safety without compromising compassion.
How GoodSense Supports Schools
GoodSense works with schools and education providers across the UK to deliver Positive Handling, Managing Challenging Behaviour and Conflict Resolution training that is:
- Aligned with current UK legislation and DfE guidance
- Trauma-informed and relationship-focused
- Practical, realistic and confidence-building
- Tailored to your setting, risks and pupil profile
Our focus is always on safety for all — pupils, staff and the wider school community.
Final Thought
Knife crime is a difficult subject, and it deserves thoughtful, sensitive discussion. Avoiding it does not keep schools safe — clear policies, skilled staff and compassionate leadership do.
With the right training and support in place, schools can navigate these challenges lawfully, confidently and humanely, while staying true to their core purpose: education, care and inclusion.
If you would like to explore how GoodSense can support your school with Positive Handling or Managing Challenging Behaviour training, we would be very happy to talk.
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